ALSA's Funding of the alsod.org database, together with the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association of the UK, began in 2000. The purpose was to develop a genetic register of ALS patients throughout the world with mutations in Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1-the first gene to be discovered linked to 20% of familial ALS). With the recent discovery of the ALS2 gene linked to autosomal recessive juvenile ALS, the need to expand the database has become evident. ALSA is pleased to continue funding this effort together with the MND Association. The database is an invaluable resource to better understand the effect of ALS-related gene mutations on the natural history and prognosis of ALS patients.

"We anticipate that soon more genes linked to ALS will be identified," says Dr. Ian Gowrie, research fellow, UK working together with Drs. Nigel Leigh and Aleksandar Radunovic to expand the database to include the ALS2 gene. "The register is designed to incorporate all ALS patients and the goal is to stimulate the sharing of information and material samples. It will thus play an important role in the identification of the new genes."

The long-term goals of this initiative are to serve as a basis for future genetic, experimental and clinical collaborations, as well as for exchange of ideas between all clinicians and scientists who work toward better understanding of the cause of ALS and ultimately the cure for this devastating disease. For further information, or to register, please log onto www.alsod.org.

"The ALS Association is pleased to be joining with the MND Association to pursue this effort," says Dr. Lucie Bruijn, Science Director and Vice President of The ALS Association. "We recognize the value of collaborations with other organizations to effectively move research efforts forward. Similarly, the MND Association is supporting, in part, another ALSA-funded study - one by Dr. Janice Robertson at McGill University in Montreal focusing on the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripherin-induced neurodegeneration. (www.alsa.org/research/scicur117.cfm)

See related story from the MND Association of the UK at www.mndassociation.org/full-site/press/general.htm.

For more information about ALS and the work of The ALS Association, please visit www.alsa.org.